Month: July 2016

The new Google Sites has been long awaited. I signed up early to Google Sites EAP program so I could drive it first hand.

The best way to illustrate what the new Google Sites feels like is to compare it to Google Forms. The classic Google Forms allowed more functionality whereas the new Forms is watered down and made too easy for the user.

The new Google Sites allows any user to create a clean and streamline website with a few clicks. Choose from 3 themes, insert text, embed folders, docs or other Google apps. Add images, embed a site, upload – the standard. A perk is the ability to collaborate with others.

The old Google Sites platform encouraged customisation and functionality. Here’s what I think is missing:

Page announcement and filing cabinet template

Ability to upload a favicon

Sidebar navigation

Managing colours, text size, font

Horizontal navigation – Adding custom URLS

I have made peace with the fact that some of the elements are missing. It didn’t take long to re-create my internal staff portal with the new sites. At times, I had to employ some creative work arounds.

Students were given the task to use technology to solve a real world problem.

They spent a some time learning the basics of coding – which is all they really need. The real learning happened by peeking under the hood at other people’s innovations and deconstructing the code and its use. Of course, Google was strongly used too.

Well here’s the problem:

People are leaving syringes in public places, such as parks, beaches and public toilets. This is dangerous and extremely unsafe to the community. Human removal of syringes from public areas poses a health risk to those who are tasked to do this. This is dangerous because when collecting the syringes humans may be pricked by the needle. This exposes them to diseases and infections.

Here’s the solution:

To remove the danger of humans getting pricked by a needle. A robotic droid named STID will locate and collect these dangerous objects.